Running Start is a program that allows select, qualified students from area high schools to earn both their high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree concurrently by attending Rock Valley College (RVC) full-time during their junior and senior years of high school. Students are able to accomplish this through a formal agreement between the college and each selected school district so that the courses taken for dual credit simultaneously meet the requirements for both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree.  The Running Start program is administered through the HS CONNECTIONS (HSC) office at RVC, working closely with counselors at the high schools.

Running Start provides an opportunity for students to work in a more challenging educational environment and to excel academically while completing high school and college requirements. While attending RVC, students earn credits toward an associate’s degree and can transfer to a four-year institution in the same manner as other community college students.  An important element of the Running Start program requires students to be both academically and socially ready for college. Students may also choose to maintain involvement in high school activities such as student government or sports. Running Start provides a tremendous advantage to students who want to shorten the amount of time needed for completion of a college degree.  An additional advantage of the program is that students reduce their overall college costs since they do not pay college tuition during their time in the Running Start program.  This financial arrangement between the high school and RVC does not extend to textbooks.  The cost of textbooks is the responsibility of the students and their families.